Causes of Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease wherein the body fails to manufacture or properly utilize insulin. Insulin is a hormone that the body uses to convert starches, sugar, and other food products into energy for the body to use to allow it to function properly. The four major types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, and pre-diabetes. The answer to the question “how can you get diabetes” will largely depend on the type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is partly inherited and can be triggered by certain infections.
Type 2 diabetes is primarily due to lifestyle factors as well as genetics. Some causes of diabetes simply cannot be helped. As people grow older, the chances of getting diabetes may increase. In fact, most adult-onset diabetes cases are diagnosed after the person has turned 50. Having a family history of diabetes may also increase a person’s risk, since diabetes has been found to be a hereditary disease. If both of your parents are diabetic, the risk for getting diabetes goes up considerably.